Autism Spectrum Disorder is on the increase worldwide, The World Health Organization estimates that at least one in a hundred children is affected by this condition right now. In contrast to the rising incidence and prevalence, the services have not yet been developed to cater to the bare minimum needs of autistic children.

Apart from parents, the teachers spend a considerable amount of time with an Autistic child at schools. The role of a teacher dealing with a normal and an Autistic child differs. These children will require a variety of different services, modifications, and accommodations in their educational experiences. For that, the teachers have to have in-depth knowledge of autism, specifically about the features of Autism and about the methods of handling those children.

To provide an introduction to Autism, the Department of Psychiatry, in collaboration with the Department of Education (Northern Province) and Mathavam conducted an introductory training workshop on autism for 1^st batch of 35 special education teachers on 18^th and 19^th of May 2023 attached to the Education Ministry of the Northern Province at Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna followed by two-weeks (12 days) hands-on training at Mathavam on a range of skills needed to help those children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Introductory workshop on Autism for 2^nd batch of teachers (14^th and 15^th December 2023)

Followed by the introductory workshop on Autism conducted on the 18^th and 19^th of May 2023 for 1^st batch of special education teachers, and 2 weeks of hands-on training week at Mathavam, the workshop for 2^nd batch of 30 special education teachers was held on the 14^th and 15^th December 2023. Nearly 10 multi-disciplinary professionals, including academic professors, clinicians, and experienced therapists, contributed as resource persons.